A bell that can sustain a musical note when struck that is made from an alloy of copper and tin is what is referred to as a singing bowl. Traditionally, singing bowls were made from an alloy of several metals, most of the times seven, which were associated with a heavenly body. Copper, mercury, gold, silver, iron, tin, and lead were the alloys commonly mentioned. Some singing bowls are also said to contain meteoritic iron. The results of the measuring apparatus used during the analysis of ancient sing bowls found show that although there were traces of lead, zinc, copper, and silver, there were no traces of mercury and gold found .

When making singing bowls, the molten metal is hammered by hand. Although they can be made by hand hammering, modern made singing bowls are made by sand casting then followed by machine-lathing. The singing can be decorated by inscribing a message of goodwill, or have motifs or stars, rings, dots or leaves drawn on the finished item.

Healing and mediation are the main uses of the singing bowls. Healing is promoted when the singing bowls are struck and produce a type of energy. the singing bowls produce pure sonic waves which are able to awaken our ability to hear with more than just our ears.
A disharmony within the body is what causes sickness. Energy vibrating at different rates is what makes matter, and by altering the vibration rates of matter, we can change its structure. The sound vibrations from the singing bowls can impact our nervous system and help our relaxation reflex to inhibit the stress and pain response.

The idea that illness is caused by a hindrance in the energy flow in the body is the reason singing bowls are used. Energy flow is restored to the parts of the body where it is required by the sound frequencies produced by the singing bowls. Our brainwaves can also be stimulated by the singing bowls. They create a pulsation of sound that entrains our brain. The pulsating tone produced helps you relax and feel good. This is why it is suitable for brainwave entertainment.

The connection between the spiritual and the physical aspect of our being is known as chakra. Our seven main chakras and the endocrine gland are associated. A physical dysfunction means that one of the chakras is either blocked, dysfunctional or imbalanced. Chakras balancing is done to ensure that the endocrine gland and the associated structures and organs are balanced and start to function. The unbalanced chakras are brought back to normal functioning by the sine waves produced by the singing bowls sound waves which correct the chakras. In certain religious practices, singing bowls are used. The singing bowls produce a sound when struck during the rituals and chanting.